The pre-trial testimony of at least one defendant and the National Officers of an Asian-American fraternity reveal that the Greek bigwigs are in denial…again! National leadership always complain that a local chapter which is accused of misdeeds acted contrary to the fraternity’s tenets and edicts. Defendant Li says hazing was tradition and was known by the National leadership.
Incidentally, the conduct of the deceased’s “friends” is simply deplorable.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/nyregion/baruch-fraternity-leader-says-he-knew-rite-that-turned-fatal-was-banned.html?ribbon-ad-idx=12&rref=nyregion&module=Ribbon&version=context®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=New%20York&pgtype=article
Most national chapters do everything they can to prevent this type of thing. I don’t know the facts on this case, but my guess is that the national organization has held risk management seminars which officers of the chapter have been required to attend. They have likely sent advisers to visit and observe the chapter for a few days. But beyond that, what exactly can they do?
I am not saying this to be argumentative. I agree it’s a problem. I was an alumni adviser for a couple of years, and I know first-hand that you can tell the guys one thing and they will go behind your back and do another.
I will say that the “hazing” that I underwent years ago was purely mental. I can even understand it. I don’t understand the physical beatings or forced drinking. It just doesn’t make sense, save that college kids are of an age that they think nothing bad can happen to them.